in rate duties in SWCC

[neilco]

First off I'm new to the forums, there is a lot of great stuff posted here. I'm an ET stationed out of NAVSTA Norfolk. I'm pretty well set on going SWCC, but I have a few quick questions. How much in rate duties do you do as a SWCC? Since I'm an ET would I be doing any actual electronics work? I'm really not into my rate at all, sitting around a shop all day putzing with electronics just isn't for me, I need a litle more substance in my job. Also, as far a vision eligibility requirements go: my vision is pretty bad, do I need to get corrective surgery prior to submitting my SWCC package or is there a way to get "head of the PRK line priveleges" after submitting it? The vision dilemma is the only thing holding me back. Thanks in advance and keep posting such great info. Thanks again.

-Chris

[Kinnikinik]

The requirements for SWCC for vision is "Correctable to 20/20" which means if you can wear glasses or contacts and see 20/20, you are fine.

After graduating SWCC you get priority status for PRK, so that would be the route I would go if I were you.

As for your rate, well you cross train for everyone. On my last deployment, the engineer was a GM, the comms guy was a SM, and our gunner's mate was an IT.

You won't be stuck doing in rate stuff too much, but keep up to date on it because until the SWCC rating comes out you will still have to take in rate advancement exams. The wonderful thing about coming from the fleet is that you can take your old job knowledge and apply it to your new jobs. You may end up being Navagator, but when something electric breaks, I bet you that BM that is down doing comms would love some help fixing his stuff.

Hope that helps.

K

[neilco]

Thanks for all the info, but I do have another question for you since the CCC on my boat is just about useless. My vision is correctable to 20/20, but it is worse than 20/200 uncorrected. I'm not sure the route I should take. I refuse to let my bad vision hold me back. If I could go through training with my current vision corrected to 20/20 and then PRK afterwards, that would be ideal. But if need be I would go see a civilian doc and get the corrective procedure done on my own. Any thoughts would be great. Thanks again for the great information.

-Chris

[Kinnikinik]

SWCC are required to perform a variety of tasks that require a high vision aptitude. SWCC candidates may qualify for PRK Refractive Surgery to correct their vision. You can read more about the PRK policy on the BUMED PRK Refractive Surgery web site.

Vision must correct to 20/25 with corrective lenses. Uncorrected vision can be no worse than 20/200 in each eye. BOTH eyes must be correctable to 20/25 (Reference; Manual of the Medical Department, P-117, chapter 15-105, paragraph 7a(c). SWCC color deficiency requires BUMED waiver. NOTE: BUMED waiver request: Reference Manual of the Medical Department, P-117, chapter 15-102, paragraph 3 and 3a.


That is the blurb from the official SWCC site. You have two options, one is that you can attempt to get a waiver from BUMED for your eyesight. That can be a pain in the *** sometimes, but with PRK around, they should have some leiniency for it.

The second is to get PRK. You could do it in the civilian world, which would be faster, but expensive, or you can do it through the Navy. All Navy personell are eligible for PRK surgery. As an ET you are on like tier 15 for priority though. Before I do anything I would go and talk to a Navy doc about getting PRK through the Navy. Depending on your timetable you want for getting into SWCC this may or may not be a viable option,

So, I would suggest doing a combination of the two, put yourself on the PRK list and contact your SPECWAR coordinator (try calling the base operator or using a base telephone book for the number) telling him you would like to apply and that you are on the list for PRK and ask if you can get a waiver.

Now, I know some **** hot CCC's and some really crappy ones. They are not the only people in your chain of command who have responsibility to help you with your career. Talk to your chief and see if he can help you get in contact with the SWCC motivator in your area., if he can't help you, tell him you would like to talk to the CMC and go and knock on his door. Despite what you may think, Master Chiefs love to see motivated people taking charge of their careers and will go out of their way to help you.

If you would like to get more info about waivers, or just talk to a motivator, call 1-888-USN-SEAL. The SWCC guys are there too, just ask to talk to one of them.

[IT_GUY]

Get started right away on the PRK thing. I know quite a few ITs (not specwar just good ol navy) who were put on the list for PRK in the Norfolk area and were told that PRK would take one to two years and it happened in much less, like three to six months. I hear that once you get through all of the "classes" and junk that goes along with the operation if a spot opens then they will get you in. How long do you have until you are up for orders?

[Kinnikinik]

I just transfered, so I am not up for orders for about three years.

Good luck with the PRK. I have my fingers crossed to get you to the front of the list.

[neilco]

I went down to medical to try to get the whole PRK situation started. As it turns out, a coworker in my division went to get herself put on the list they told her 18 - 36 months wait time, and she just got scheduled an appointment 5 months down the road. So there is hope. Thanks again, I appreciate all of the advice.
-Chris

[FLaGaSS]

That's good to hear IT. One of the first things I'm going to do when I report is look into PRK.